Hemochromatosis

Topic Overview

How is it treated?

Phlebotomy. This is the most common treatment. It is like donating blood and is done on a regular schedule.

Chelation therapy (also called chelating agents). This is medicine that
helps your body get rid of excess iron. It might be used in some people who can't have phlebotomy.

Treatment can:

Safely and quickly remove excess iron from the
blood.

Limit the progression and possible complications of the
disorder.

Prevent organ damage, such as in the liver or heart.

Most people need treatment for the rest of their lives. But some people may not need further treatment if their iron levels return to normal and the hemochromatosis is clearly caused by another disease or by a treatment for another disease (such as blood transfusions).

Can hemochromatosis be prevented?

Having hemochromatosis in your family doesn't
mean that you will automatically get it. If you find out that you have
inherited a gene that causes hemochromatosis, that means you are more likely to get hemochromatosis. Your doctor or a genetic counselor can help you understand the results of a gene test. You might watch for symptoms so that if you do get hemochromatosis, you can get treatment as early as possible. Early treatment
can reverse most symptoms and prevent future problems.